LASD Press Conf. Serial Bank Heist Crew Captured After Year-Long Investigation

Roof Top Serial Bank Heist Crew Captured After Year-Long Investigation

Sheriff's Major Crimes Detectives arrested five men early Friday morning, April 5th after the suspects cut a hole in the roof of the CITIBANK in the city of Diamond Bar. The crew of burglars climbed ladders to access the roof and used power tools to cut a hole in the roof of the bank, giving them access to the cement vault. The suspects used hand held radios to stay in contact with another suspect, who was acting as their lookout. They each put on identical uniforms, including shoes and traveled in a van with the license plates removed. They brought tools, ladders, and walkie talkie devices to communicate with each other.

On Friday morning, detectives watched the burglars operate under the cover of darkness, and when they left the bank, deputies followed and arrested the crew. Deputies from Major Crimes Bureau, Walnut Station and Sheriff's Canine Unit all took part in the apprehension. Evidence from the arrest were recovered which included a portion of the banks roof, roofing material, two way radios, tools, gloves and ski masks.

Sheriff's Detectives started their investigation with a bank burglary in August 2011 and have been investigating the crew for a year. They believe they are responsible for at least three similar bank jobs in the Diamond Bar and Rowland Heights area. The expected losses from the previous crimes are believed to be in the millions of dollars.

The suspects were each held on a bail amount of $500,000 dollars except for one, which was $3 million dollars.

"These are not your typical burglars," commented Lt. Kent Wegener of the Major Crimes Bureau. "They showed some sophistication in their planning and the execution of the actual crime. Our team of detectives worked long and hard to put a stop to their crime series."

After the arrests, sixty Sheriff's Deputies served search warrants at 7 residences in Banning, Beaumont, Yucaipa, Fontana and Riverside, to gather additional evidence and search for the proceeds from the prior burglaries. Investigators seized 12 high end vehicles, a 24 foot power boat, 7 Ducati motorcycles, several firearms, money and jewelry from the locations. Detectives have recovered approximately $30,000 dollars. "This is a shining example of the hard work and dedication that these detectives do every day," said Sheriff Baca.

The suspects were arraigned in Pomona Court yesterday and charged with several counts of burglary, conspiracy, grand theft and vandalism.

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Leroy D. Baca, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

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